Midthoracic Pain, Sentinel Arterial Haemorrhage and Exsanguination after a Symptom-Free Interval (Chiari's Triad) is Diagnostic of Arterio-Oesophageal Fistula: A Life-Threatening Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

INTRODUCTION

Arterio-oesophageal fistulae are a very uncommon cause of severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and mostly result from an aberrant right subclavian artery and mediastinal surgery or prolonged endotracheal/nasogastric intubation.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We present the case of a patient with an oesophageal adenocarcinoma and haematemesis due to a subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula after mediastinal radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

We discuss the rare, life-threatening condition of acute erosion of the left subclavian artery caused by an oesophageal tumour and presenting with Chiari's triad.

LEARNING POINTS: Subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula is an uncommon, life-threatening cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.Knowledge of Chiari's triad enables early recognition of potentially fatal gastro-intestinal bleeding.A high level of suspicion is essential for prompt diagnosis and referral for surgical treatment especially in patients with malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract.